Eka Gigauri, the Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia, arrived at Tbilisi City Court to be questioned by a magistrate judge.

Speaking to journalists before the questioning, she said the purpose of the ongoing processes is intimidation.

“Today, we are essentially watching a theatrical performance. In reality, what are we dealing with? The international investigative group received internal information from law enforcement agencies, which mentions the alleged use of a specific chemical substance. Meanwhile, for an entire year, the whole civil sector and citizens have been demanding that the authorities make public what type of gas was used. Instead of that, they are summoning doctors and victims for questioning and are not demanding answers from those individuals who may have played a certain role in the crime. I don’t know what questions will be asked. What I can say is that I also felt unwell after those dispersals.

In the interview, I say that ‘we have a pro-Russian government, and they have all the tools to stop Georgia’s European integration.’ I also say that Transparency International might be shut down in a few months. The government’s goal is to suppress civil society and independent media; they want Georgia to become an ally of Russia. They do not want to leave anyone who will resist them. This is the fault of Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Georgian government.” I also say: “Perhaps Georgia is a small country, but what we are doing is significant for the whole world, because we are resisting Russia’s influence and Russia itself.” These are the issues I talk about in every interview, and if Georgian Dream learned about my position from the BBC investigation, that is their problem. The goal, of course, is intimidation,” Gigauri said.

For reference, the BBC prepared and published an investigative report stating that, in November–December 2024, the substance “Camite,” last used during World War I, was used to disperse protest rallies.

Following the release of this report, the State Security Service launched an investigation under two articles: abuse of official authority and aiding hostile activities for a foreign organization.